Sauteed Peppers and Onions
A vibrant and simple side dish of sweet bell peppers and savory onions, sautéed until perfectly tender-crisp. This versatile classic is ready in under 20 minutes and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sausages, or fajitas.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- 2
Add the sliced onions to the hot pan
- a.Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- 3
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet
- a.Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 7-9 minutes. Adjust cooking time if you prefer them softer.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using)
- a.Cook for one more minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Remove from the heat and serve immediately as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For even cooking, try to slice the peppers and onions to a similar thickness.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Use a large skillet to ensure the vegetables sauté and caramelize rather than steam.
- 3For a touch of sweetness and depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar during the last minute of cooking.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They are great for meal prep and can be added to eggs, salads, or sandwiches.
- 5Feel free to use any color of bell pepper you like. Using a mix of red, yellow, and orange adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat.
high proteinHigh protein
Toss in some sliced cooked sausage, chicken, or shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking to make it a one-pan meal.
quickQuick
Use a bag of pre-sliced frozen peppers and onions to cut down on prep time. Sauté directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Slice the vegetables into thinner strips and cook them a little longer until they are very soft and sweet. You can also add a pinch of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness.